Miniature Schnauzer and Tonkinese Cat

It matters not their color or breed, big or small, just give me something to cuddle or pet and I am a happy person.

However, I enjoy learning about the different cat and dog breeds and have decided to do a weekly blog, selecting one dog and one cat breed from the list of many.

I will try to give an overall picture of the breeds I choose and maybe in some small way I can help you choose the right puppy or kitten or if nothing else give you a new learning experience.

One of my favorite breeds is the Miniature Schnauzer, this bundle of joy originated in Germany and was used to hunt rats and mice on farms in that country.

The Schnauzer is considered a Terrier both by the United States and the United Kingdom Kennel Clubs, even though they are not diggers as most terriers are.

The Miniature Schnauzer loves the chase and the rounding up of critters. They also are “collectors” of things. They have been know to gather up things left within their reach and stockpile them in a convenient place.

Miniature Schnauzers have a life span between 12 to 13 years. Their color can range from gray and white (salt and pepper), gray and silver, black and silver, solid black and some might even have a white blaze.

Personality wise Schnauzers are a joy to be around. They are lively, curious, playful, affectionate, good around most children and other pets.

Healthwise they are known to have a few problems such as pancreatitis, urinary stones, myotonia congenita (a muscular disorder), a degenerative eye disorder and cataracts.

It is recommended that you do not allow this breed to beg people food as fatty food will affect the pancreas.

Miniature Schnauzers make wonderful pets and are my dog of choice should our household be open for a new pet. They love to be around their humans.

If they have a “downside” it would be that they can be barkers, they cannot be trusted to stay in an open yard or around an open door, as their curious nature takes over.

It is important that a puppy has some obedience training so that it will come when called as slipping out an open door is very possible.

The other downside consideration is if you are on a budget, do not get a Miniature Schnauzer, as the grooming bills might create a problem. This breed requires frequent trips to the groomers and that can be expensive.

However, all things considered this dog makes one heck of a wonderful pet.

Cat Breed of the Week

The cat breed for this week is the Tonkinese. I have never seen a Tonkinese in person, but from the research I have done, this sounds like my kind of cat.

Of course, my husband would say that “I never met a cat or dog I didn’t love.”

From what I understand this breed of cat is really a companion and a conversationalist. (That’s my kind of cat.)

Tonkinese love to play, are very social, they get along well with children and seem to get along with other pets including large dogs.

Most breeders say if you are going to get a Tonkinese, get two, as they really enjoy company and in my opinion, they need someone who speaks their language.

Tonkinese are talkers, I have been told they speak in sentences and will talk back if scolded.

On the downside because of their curiosity, you need be very careful going out an outside door. They want to know what is on the other side and if you are not careful that could lead to trouble.

This breed of cat loves everyone and will go to anyone, which is why it is imperative that you keep a close eye on the cat and the door.

The Tonkinese is the result of breeding a Siamese to a Burmese.

It has been said that in days gone by that there were pictures of cats resembling the Tonkinese. However, it was in the 1960’s that the breed began to take off and in 1979 the breed was recognized by the CFA and considered championship material in 1984.

There are 12 different coat combinations, four standard colors and three different patterns.

They are low maintenance, need lots of love and attention and are really quite healthy. The only health problem seems to be gingivitis, which means that when you get a kitten, it is recommended that you start early on brushing its teeth.

One day soon I am going to master the “art” of publishing pictures on my site and then we all can enjoy the pictures of the breeds I am talking about. Have patience……..